Wrist & Thumb

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - A painful condition caused by overuse or repetitive bending and flexing of the hand and wrist. This causes the tendons and the tendon sheaths (which protect the tendons) to become swollen. The swollen tendons place pressure on the median nerve, often resulting in numbness.

Arthritis - A disease that slowly destroys the cushioning cartilage surrounding a joint, causing inflammation, pain stiffening as bones rub against one another. OSTEOARTHRITIS or DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE is advanced arthritis that begins to break down the bones of the joint.

Strains - When tendons (which connect muscle to bone) become inflamed, often because of repetitive movement or overuse. If untreated, the tendons can tear away from the muscle, leading to tendonitis.

Tendonitis - A strained, inflamed or slight tear of the tendons from the muscle, commonly due to overuse. Symptoms include tenderness, nagging pain and mild swelling.

Sprains - When a sudden forceful twist or blow forces the wrist beyond its natural range of motion. This movement causes stretching and/or tearing of the ligaments around the wrist joint, resulting in pain, swelling and bruising. The degree of sprain can range from mild (slight stretching) to severe (complete tearing).

Fractures - The breaking of a bone due to excessive force placed on it. This can range from a simple crack in the bone to multiple breaks. The most common wrist fracture, the Colles' fracture, usually occurs when the hand is used to break a fall.